Proposed apartments in townhouse zone

As an objector to the potential development of Villa Degiorgio in the Tlett Sigriet area of High Street, Sliema (PA 01599/08), it is patently obvious that the proposed development (construct two levels of basement garages occupying the entire depth of site with overlying 13 apartments over four floors) is not compatible with the character and urban design of the area.

The latter is characterised by two-storey townhouses creating a homogenous setting of high architectural and environmental value. The proposed development will adversely affect the predominant height of the streetscape and the area skyline.

According to Structure Plan Policy UCO 10, no developments will be permitted if they detract from the traditional urban skyline. I regret to say that the processing of this application has revealed the weaknesses of the 2006 Sliema Local Plan.

While building heights are supposed to be established as a reflection of the predominant height of buildings in the area, our block of two-storey houses has been prescribed as a four-floor area. This is not only damaging to the character of the Urban Conservation Area but will also further choke up an area that is often grid-locked.

Another highly objectionable feature of this proposed development is that it would lead to the extensive loss of the existing garden which runs counter to Part B of the Design Guidance for Development Control within Urban Conservation Areas which recommends the preservation of gardens in urban cores.

The area in question is characterised by a large open space (green lung) at the back of a row of houses in High Street approximately all having the same building depth from the building alignment, and all with extensive, beautiful and old gardens, that link up together.

Surely, this garden conglomerate should be designated as a protected enclave. The construction of even one of the gardens would starve the other gardens of light, fresh air, and ventilation. It would create ghettos and lack of internal space and it would definitely create a terrible negative domino effect within the locality.

Sliema residents cannot help but ask why other localities have had their gardens protected as green enclaves, while none of Sliema's gardens have been similarly protected.

I therefore ask Mepa to honour its mission statement and ensure Sliema residents a decent quality of life by eventually refusing this application to build up one of Sliema's few surviving large garden areas.